Lessons of Rodeo-Chediski wildfire

by Dennis Wagner - Jun. 16, 2012 11:59 PMThe Republic | azcentral.com

A dense forest is a dangerous one: Once fire reaches the tops of the pines, the flame easily leaps from tree to tree. This can accelerate on hillsides, where the rising heat from a burning tree transfers to the uphill trees. This was hardly news to experts, but Rodeo-Chediski burned so hot and fast in part because blazes in the White Mountains had been suppressed for years, creating a tangle of woodland fuels.

Since 2002, authorities have used controlled burns and crews to clear deadfall and undergrowth. But the expense is so great and the need so enormous that success has been limited mostly to areas along highways and near towns. The Wallow Fire of 2011, Arizona's largest in recorded history, showed these efforts have fallen short.

National wildfire commanders need to maintain relations with local fire chiefs: By all accounts, those in charge of battling Rodeo-Chediski clashed with some volunteer firefighters and residents. Forest Service officials and volunteer chiefs say that since then communication and training have improved dramatically.

Recovery is difficult and expensive: Severe wildfires don't just kill trees, they scorch the earth and wipe out root systems that hold the soil together. Forest-rehabilitation efforts include aerial-seeding programs to prevent erosion that can destroy streams, roadways and homes. Again, the cost often outstrips the need, and global warming appears to be limiting regrowth of ponderosa pines.